Mumbai: The Bombay High Court has directed internet service providers and digital platforms to remove pirated links and unauthorised content related to ‘Ramayana’ within three hours of receiving a complaint from the film’s copyright owner, Godpower Media Private Limited.
The fresh order, passed on Friday, November 6, comes amid concerns over the unauthorised circulation of clips and copies of the much-anticipated film online.
Vacation judge Justice Ashish S Chavan issued the directive while hearing a petition filed by Godpower Media.
The court also asked digital platforms to disclose the contact details of their nodal officers so that the makers can promptly report instances of piracy and seek the removal of infringing content.
Additionally, the platforms have been directed to submit written confirmation of their compliance with the order and ensure they have adequate personnel and mechanisms in place to address piracy complaints swiftly.
The makers approached the court after pirated clips and unauthorised copies of the film began surfacing across various online platforms.
Senior Advocate Ashish Kamat, appearing for Godpower Media, submitted that even a delay of a few hours could allow illegal copies to spread widely across the internet, making it increasingly difficult to contain their circulation.
Taking note of the concerns, the court observed that unauthorised content had already appeared on several online platforms following the film’s release.
This is not the first time the makers have approached the court over piracy.
On November 2, the Bombay High Court had restrained unidentified individuals and groups from recording the film in theatres or uploading, streaming and sharing it without permission.
The order also covered mirror websites and other platforms that could be used to distribute pirated copies.
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana is being planned as a two-part film franchise, reportedly with a combined budget of Rs 4,000 crore.
According to figures shared by the makers, the film collected Rs 155 crore gross worldwide on its opening day.
